Explosion at Swiss ski resort bar kills dozens on New Year’s Eve

A devastating incident at a popular bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana has left multiple people dead and dozens injured on New Year’s Day, authorities confirmed.

The tragedy occurred at the “Le Constellation” bar in southern Switzerland at around 1:30 a.m. on January 1, according to Valais cantonal police. “Several people lost their lives and others were injured,” the police said in a statement issued at approximately 8 a.m., Swissinfo reports.

Police spokesperson Gaëtan Lathion earlier indicated that an explosion of unknown origin may have caused the incident. Local media reported that around 40 people may have died and at least 100 sustained injuries. More than 100 individuals were inside the crowded bar at the time of the explosion.

A major security operation is currently underway. Cantonal and municipal police, regional fire services, and several helicopters have been deployed to the scene. Authorities have completely closed off the area and imposed a no-fly zone over Crans-Montana, located in the canton of Valais in the heart of the Swiss Alps, approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) north of the Matterhorn.

By Vafa Guliyeva